Diocese of Ughelli holds 2016 synod

To God’s glory, the first session of the seventh Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Ughelli begins today at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ekiugbo-Ughelli, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. This Synod is to be presided over by the lord Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Revd. Dr. Cyril O. Odutemu, while the guest preacher is, Rt. Revd. Joseph Olusola, the lord Bishop of Diocese of Ijesha North East. The Bible study leader throughout the Synod is, Ven. Dr. Matthew Iyede, the Dean of Ezekiel College of Theology, Ekpoma in Edo State. The Synod is expected to end on Wednesday, May 4, 2016.

We thank God for the preparations made so far for the hosting of this year’s Synod. We appreciate the local organising committee and the Archdeacon in-charge of the Church, Ven. O. D. Edjere for their efforts to ensure that the Bishop and all Synod delegates have a successful Synod.

The theme of the Synod is: Take Heed: A Divine Imperative To Watch Our Ways, I Cor. 10:12. We are aware that during Synods, Bishops give account of their stewardship to their flocks and also give a charge that will guide them for the next one year in their spiritual odyssey. Members of the flock are expected to receive these charges and act accordingly. The charge for this year begins with a command: TAKE HEED…an advice, a caution, a reminder, so that people may not falter, as they run the heavenly race.

Therefore, Rt. Revd. Dr. Cyril O. Odutemu, while speaking in pre-synod at the Diocesan board, gave a graphic insight to the theme slated for the Synod. He said: “Today’s pressure makes it easy to ignore or forget the lessons Israelites learnt about God. So, we study the Bible regularly for these lessons to remind us of how God wants us to live. We need not repeat their mistakes! In a culture filled with moral depravity and sin-inducing pressure, Paul encouraged the Corinthians about temptation. He said that (1) temptations happen to everyone, so don’t feel you have been singled out; (2) others have resisted because God showed them the way out. God will aid you in resisting temptation by helping you (3) recognise those people and situations that give you trouble, (4) run from anything you know is wrong, (5) choose to do only what is right, (6) pray for God’s help, and (7) seek friends who love God and can offer you help when you are tempted, (8) running from a tempting situation is your first step on the way to victory.

Understandably, this charge will have both sacred and secular implications. The point of attention for both is that they should ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated. For the sacred, Israel’s failure in the wilderness should not be repeated, while the secular, like us in Nigeria today under the ‘change agenda’ should endeavour not to repeat the mistakes made during the ‘transformation agenda’. We caution that people should not be carried away by the allure of present offices, but ensure that those things they spoke against are not to be found in them. This is very important because our economy is in bad shape and this has increased the suffering of the people. It implies, therefore, that those who love our people should also find a way to cushion the suffering through good policies and then give them hope in their God-given home. We trust that religious and secular leaders harken to this clarion call by Bishop Cyril Odutemu at this time.

God is never asleep and will surely attend to the needs of His people. Therefore, we wish all Synod delegates safe arrival to the Synod’s venue and also pray that they will have a refreshing and wonderful experience in the Lord’s presence. You are welcome!
Ven. Ernest Onuoha
Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical
Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.
www.ibrucentre.org